Methods and apparatus for manipulating vascular prostheses
First Claim
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1. A method for opening a passage into a branch vessel through a prosthesis in a main vessel, said method comprising:
- positioning an expansible shell through a cell in the prosthesis, wherein an interface structure surrounds the expansible shell; and
expanding the shell to expand the structure within the cell to open the cell and create the passage.
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Abstract
An interface structure is provided over a catheter having an inflatable balloon or other expansible structure for deploying or manipulating a stent. The interface structure is typically a cage having a plurality of helical interface elements which are disposed between the balloon and the stent during the expansion or manipulation. Use of the interface structure promotes uniform expansion and deformation of the stent.
184 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for opening a passage into a branch vessel through a prosthesis in a main vessel, said method comprising:
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positioning an expansible shell through a cell in the prosthesis, wherein an interface structure surrounds the expansible shell; and
expanding the shell to expand the structure within the cell to open the cell and create the passage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for expanding a vascular prosthesis within a region of hardened plaque, said method comprising:
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delivering the prosthesis to the region of hardened plaque; and
expanding a shell within the prosthesis to cause expansion, wherein the shell is disposed within an interface structure which engages an inner surface of the prosthesis as it is expanded. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A stent manipulation catheter comprising:
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a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;
a radially expansible shell near the distal end of the catheter body; and
a stent interface structure circumscribing but not attached to the radially expansible shell. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25)
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- 23. A catheter as in claim 23, wherein the cage structure is elastic and arranged to radially close over the expansible shell when the shell is collapsed.
Specification